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Michelle Randolph Opens Up About Her Roles On Two Of Taylor Sheridan’s Hit Series

Michelle Randolph stars in two of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series. In 1923, she portrayed Elizabeth Strafford, the wife of Jack Dutton. She also stars as Ainsley Norris, the daughter of Tommy Norris, in Landman.

The actress sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to answer fans’ burning questions about the hit series following the release of the finale of 1923 on Sunday, April 6

Warning: this article contains spoilers for 1923, Yellowstone, and Landman.

Michelle Randolph Talks Jack’s Death

In the penultimate episode, Michelle’s character, Elizabeth, experiences the death of her husband, Jack Dutton, although Elizabeth does not learn of his fate until the finale. When asked how she felt about Jack’s death, she responded,

“No. I had no idea. To be honest, it happened so fast, not only in the script but also then the show. It’s like, “That’s it? He’s done?” I thought, “Okay, does he magically come back to life somehow? I know we don’t have ghosts in this show, but like, where is his ghost?” I was in denial about it.”

She Answered The Fans Burning Question About Elizabeth Strafford’s Pregnancy

One of the more puzzling aspects of the finale, which has led to various fan theories, is that it does not address Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

In a previous episode, it was revealed that Elizabeth was pregnant with Jack’s child, and the entire family celebrated this news after she had previously endured a miscarriage.

The actress confirmed her character’s pregnancy by saying, 

“I had my hands on her belly in the scene. I had to remind people I’m pregnant.”

One of the major questions of the series revolves around the lineage of the Dutton family. It has not yet been revealed whose son, whether Elizabeth’s or Alexandra’s, will inherit the family land and become the grandfather mentioned in the Yellowstone series. Elizabeth shared her thoughts on the Yellowstone family tree, saying,

“My interpretation is that we still don’t know [who the grandfather is]. (Laughs) It’s not verified. It could be either. … I thought by the end of the season we would know, and it’s funny because that’s obviously the question I always get. Everyone is like, “Well surely you know what happens by the end.” If someone says they do, they’re lying. I think Taylor [Sheridan] is keeping it secretive for a reason.”

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide To Taylor Sheridan’s TV Shows: Casts, Full Breakdowns, And Release Dates

The Actress Talks 1944

It has been officially confirmed that 1923 will not continue, but the story will carry on in a third prequel to the Yellowstone storyline titled 1944. Michelle expressed her desire to be involved in the film by saying,

“I mean, I’m alive! I’m alive. If I could be in 1944, I would absolutely love that. I have no idea where the storyline picks up or who it follows. I don’t know anything about it.”

She continued on to share her thoughts about where the show could go.

“It could go in so many different directions. Maybe she has the child and she wants to show him where he’s from, and about his dad, and they find their way back to Montana. Maybe she wants to take over the ranch! Maybe she learned from Cara enough. I also am trying to not get attached to anything, because of course the fantasy in my head is that I’m still alive and could be in 1944 somehow; they do incredible prosthetics. But I can’t get attached, because I might be irrelevant to it!”

RELATED: “1923” Star Reacts To Their Character’s Shocking & Sudden Death

The Actress Talks The Madison

One 1923 fan theory circulating on the Internet is how the Yellowstone spin-off, The Madison, relates to the Dutton family tree and whether it could have any implications for Elizabeth’s unborn child. She raised this question during her interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

“I’ve been trying to figure it out. I don’t know a ton about The Madison, but I know they come from the East Coast. I so I’m like, is there some sort of web [connecting] Elizabeth? I have no idea.”

The Actress Talks Landman

Michelle is also a crossover actress in another one of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, Landman, which follows an oil company in West Texas. The second season of Landman is already in production, as the show was a big hit. The actress shared what it feels like to return to Landman, saying,

“I felt like we just started where we left off. I think I found the character last season and we all are so comfortable together. I’m on my second week of filming, and it’s fun to be back. They are are such different worlds. I can’t even compare them.”

RELATED: Where Does Every Major “Landman” Character Stand After The Season Finale?

Although a rather small hint, Michelle provided fans with an insight into the second season, emphasizing that the show will primarily focus on family dynamics.

“It’s a lot of family. A lot of family.”

Does this mean that the cartel connection will take a backseat role in the upcoming season? Only time will tell.

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